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WHO rules out immediate hantavirus spread
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, stated on Tuesday that there is currently no indication of a broader hantavirus outbreak stemming from the MV Hondius cruise ship. However, he cautioned that the situation could evolve due to the virus's lengthy incubation period.
Current confirmed cases and fatalities
Seven individuals have tested positive for hantavirus after traveling on the Dutch-flagged vessel. Three passengers have died: an elderly Dutch man on 11 April, his wife in Johannesburg two days after disembarking on 24 April, and a German woman on 2 May. Both women were later confirmed as hantavirus cases.
Evacuation and repatriation efforts
The MV Hondius departed Tenerife on Monday, en route to Rotterdam, with an expected arrival on the evening of 17 May. The final group of 28 passengers, including four Australians, one Briton, and one New Zealander, were flown to Eindhoven on Tuesday. A total of 122 passengers and crew have been repatriated via government-chartered flights over the past several days.
As of Monday evening, 27 individuals remained on board: 25 crew members and two medical staff. Nationalities included 17 Filipinos, four Dutch (including the medical team), four Ukrainians, one Russian, and one Pole. The Ukrainian foreign ministry confirmed its citizens would assist in the ship's transfer and quarantine upon arrival.
Hospital quarantines and precautionary measures
Twelve healthcare workers at a Nijmegen hospital are in quarantine after potential exposure to the virus while treating an evacuated passenger. The hospital stated the measure was precautionary, as staff did not adhere to strict protocols when handling blood and urine samples.
Spain's health ministry reported a Spaniard in Madrid, evacuated from the ship, had provisionally tested positive. In France, a woman isolating in Paris is experiencing deteriorating health, with 22 contacts being traced. The U.S. health department confirmed a second American passenger from Sunday's repatriation flight had developed mild symptoms.
Transmission and symptoms
The Andes strain of hantavirus, which some passengers may have contracted in South America, can spread between humans. Symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. WHO officials previously assessed the risk of a major outbreak as very low.
Next steps for the MV Hondius
Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship's operator, stated that sanitation procedures upon arrival in Rotterdam are still under discussion. The vessel is scheduled to complete its six-day voyage on 17 May.
"Our work is not over. We must remain vigilant to contain this outbreak."
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
